The Department of Justice, and Beijing’s office in charge of Hong Kong affairs, both spoke out against the newly founded Hong Kong National Party (HKNP) this week. They say it is a serious violation of the country’s constitution, the Basic Law, and a threat to national security.

The State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said that founding a pro-independence party – the HKNP – has harmed the country’s sovereignty and security, endangering the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

“It is firmly opposed by all Chinese nationals, including some seven million Hong Kong people. It is also a serious violation of the country’s constitution, Hong Kong’s Basic Law, and the relevant existing laws,” a spokesman for the office was quoted as saying.

The Department of Justice earlier also made its first official comments, warning of possible legal action against “all cases where Basic Law issues or potential criminal labilities may arise”.

But in a Facebook post, Civic Party barrister and lawmaker Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu said that stating political attitudes like proclaiming independence without any action was protected by freedom of speech. He wanted the government to be more specific. “Could they cite any laws that they have breached? Why did they face any criminal liabilities if they only talked about independence?” he wrote.

HKNP issued a statement saying: “We will not be afraid of such draconian laws. Bring it on. We will push ahead with Hong Kong independence.”